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Post Info TOPIC: Suburban Hot Water Service - Anode Replacement
jules47


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Suburban Hot Water Service - Anode Replacement
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We have just replaced the anode in our MH, hot water system - the second one in three years.  The first one we took out was kept by the people we got the new one from, as an example of how bad they can get.

The one we just replaced was pretty badly corroded, and almost worn or eaten away near the bolt at the top.  If it had broken it would have dropped into the water tank, don't know if it would do any damage, but caught in time..

So a warning to all with a Suburban brand HWS - check your anode - today!anide.jpg



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jules
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(Ben, aged 10)
2weis


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thanks
will do
brian

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deverall11


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Jules, you'll find if you put a water filter in front of your inlet, you can double the life of your anode. Also, only heat up the water for when you need it, maybe 20 mins prior.
Larry

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rockylizard


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Gday...

Excellent advice Jules - and for those who may not have seen it before, the attached file may help

Cheers - John



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Wombat 280


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Better the sacrificial anode does it's job rather than the entire unit needing to go to HWS heaven. Once exposed to water the irreversible sacrificial action begins so even if you van is sitting in your yard the action continues to save the water service . They normally only have a short life of 18 months to 2 years some may feel that they have got fives years out of some ???????



-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Friday 22nd of August 2014 05:48:29 PM

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oldtrack123


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HI
Since it is the mineral content of the water that affects Anode life, I do not see a mechanical fliter/ strainer doing ANY good in that regard.

PeterQ

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Phil C


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We have spent most of our time in SA with its toxic suburban water. When we were in the burbs I have to change the anode every 9 months as the old ones would be about 80%.

We are now on rain water out in the sticks, and the anode is not too bad (about 50%) after 6 months. We have an in line dual filter just for taste and to clear some mud.

Anodes are a delight when they work and get installed properly. Make sure there is good metal to metal contact at the thread then start the teflon tape. The anode cant do the galvanic action unless it has a good circuit.

Safe travels

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deverall11


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oldtrack123 wrote:


HI
Since it is the mineral content of the water that affects Anode life, I do not see a mechanical fliter/ strainer doing ANY good in that regard.

PeterQ

 Are you speaking from experience or just tongue wagging. My post stems from ACTUAL experience.



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oldtrack123


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deverall11 wrote:
oldtrack123 wrote:


HI
Since it is the mineral content of the water that affects Anode life, I do not see a mechanical fliter/ strainer doing ANY good in that regard.

PeterQ

 Are you speaking from experience or just tongue wagging. My post stems from ACTUAL experience.

 HI

Actual experience,  & knowing the fact that it is the mineral content[ conductivity]  of the water  that determines the current flow from the anode  & therefor it's consumption rate!!

The set up is actually a primary cell battery

Perhaps you can explain just how a mechanical filter can remove  dissolved mineral content!!

A demineralising filter will help with longer life , but you did not specify THAT & certainly THAT is not what most use!!

PeterQ

 



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 12:38:05 PM



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 12:48:00 PM

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oldtrack123


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Phil C wrote:

We have spent most of our time in SA with its toxic suburban water. When we were in the burbs I have to change the anode every 9 months as the old ones would be about 80%.

 
Anodes are a delight when they work and get installed properly. Make sure there is good metal to metal contact at the thread then start the teflon tape. The anode cant do the galvanic action unless it has a good circuit.

Safe travels

 HI Phil

I am sure you KNOW why the anodes do not last long on SA water

It is the extremely high MINERAL content

The standard magnesium anodes are generally not recommended for such situations

Aluminium Anodes last much longer & still do the protection job,  but can leave a slight odour in the water 

PeterQ



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 12:49:14 PM

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jules47


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Glad that people are looking at this post - might save them some money in the long run!!! That was my intention when I posted.

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jules
"Love is good for the human being!!"
(Ben, aged 10)
Phil C


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oldtrack123 wrote:
Phil C wrote:

We have spent most of our time in SA with its toxic suburban water. When we were in the burbs I have to change the anode every 9 months as the old ones would be about 80%.

 
Anodes are a delight when they work and get installed properly. Make sure there is good metal to metal contact at the thread then start the teflon tape. The anode cant do the galvanic action unless it has a good circuit.

Safe travels

 HI Phil

I am sure you KNOW why the anodes do not last long on SA water

It is the extremely high MINERAL content

The standard magnesium anodes are generally not recommended for such situations

Aluminium Anodes last much longer & still do the protection job,  but can leave a slight odour in the water 

PeterQ



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 23rd of August 2014 12:49:14 PM

 Thanks for that PeterQ. I was aware that the mineralised water will create more galvanic action but have had little experience with the aluminium anodes. Is aluminium higher on the triboelectric scale? Or is it higher noble metal? 

I will ill search about for an aluminium anode.   

Cheers again Peter. 



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